You ever have those nights when you’ve been out running errands, or you’ve just lost track of time, and then realize it’s time for dinner? Happens to me ALL the time (especially when the weather is warm, and we spend more time outside!) I grew tired of always fixing sandwiches, bean burritos, or mac and cheese on those nights, and wanted to come up with a hearty and healthy meal I could prepare quickly for my family.

We call this recipe, “Hannah’s Chili” because it is SO easy to make, that even my 6 year old can almost make it by herself! This has quickly become a favorite, and is frequently requested for dinner, especially by the kids! I also love this recipe because it uses ingredients you are likely to have on hand in the pantry, and can easily be changed up to utilize what you have! This chili stands alone as a meal, but also goes great with some cornbread, a salad, or some fresh fruit!

easy chili recipe

Here is what you’ll need to make it!

Ingredients

1/2 lb to 1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey (This is a budget stretcher! You can use a little bit of meat, or a lot…doesn’t really matter!)

1/2 medium white onion, finely chopped

1 can petite diced tomatoes  (I blend mine with my immersion blender, as my family doesn’t like “chunks” of tomatoes.)

1 can diced green chiles

1 can corn

1 or 2 cans of beans (I like to use 1 can of chili beans, and then a can of black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans…really, whatever you have on hand will work!)

1 envelope chili seasoning mix (found right next to the taco/spaghetti, etc spice mixes at the grocery store)

That’s it! This is pantry cooking at it’s finest, and seriously comes together in minutes! (And actually has some great flavor!)

To Prepare

1. Brown the ground meat in a large pan. Add in the onions, and cook until the meat is no longer pink.

2. Add the packet of chili seasoning mix, and stir.

3. Dump in all of your cans! (tomatoes, corn, chiles, and beans!)

4. Sprinkle with corn chips, cheese, sour cream, etc, and enjoy!

This is the easiest chili to make, and a great go-to recipe to have in your cooking arsenal for those nights when you are short on time, and want to do something other than nuking frozen chicken nuggets (again!) So, the next time you look at the clock and realize it is 5:30 and you have nothing made for dinner, don’t offer PB&J or ham and cheese….make chili!